How do You light a water heater pilot?

How Do You Light a Water Heater Pilot?

A water heater pilot is a small burner that ignites the main burner to heat the water in your tank. When the pilot goes out, you may not have hot water, which can be inconvenient and even a health risk in some cases. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to relight the pilot when it goes out. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to light a water heater pilot.

Why Does the Pilot Go Out?

Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand why the pilot may go out in the first place. There are several reasons why this might happen:

• Gas supply issues: If the gas supply to the water heater is interrupted, the pilot may go out.
• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that ensures the pilot remains lit. If it’s faulty, the pilot may go out.
• Clogged burner: If the burner is clogged with debris, the pilot may not be able to ignite properly.
• Incorrect installation: If the water heater was not installed correctly, it may not function properly, including the pilot.

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot

Step 1: Turn Off the Gas Supply

Before you start relighting the pilot, you need to turn off the gas supply to the water heater. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any accidental ignitions or gas leaks.

• Locate the gas shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to shut off the gas supply.
• Make sure the valve is turned off completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Check the Thermocouple

The thermocouple is a safety device that ensures the pilot remains lit. If it’s faulty, the pilot may not stay lit. To check the thermocouple:

• Locate the thermocouple and check if it’s clean and free of debris.
• If it’s dirty, clean it with a cloth or a small brush.
• If it’s damaged, you may need to replace it.

Step 3: Light the Pilot

Now it’s time to light the pilot. To do this:

• Press the pilot button to turn on the gas supply to the pilot.
• Use a long lighter or match to light the pilot.
• Hold the flame to the pilot until it ignites.
• Once the pilot is lit, hold the flame for about 30 seconds to ensure it stays lit.

Step 4: Adjust the Pilot

Once the pilot is lit, you may need to adjust it to ensure it’s burning properly. To do this:

• Use the pilot adjustment screw to adjust the pilot flame.
• Make sure the flame is steady and not too high or too low.
• Adjust the screw until the flame is at the correct height.

Step 5: Turn On the Gas Supply

Now that the pilot is lit and adjusted, you can turn on the gas supply to the water heater.

• Turn the gas shut-off valve counterclockwise to turn on the gas supply.
• Make sure the valve is turned on completely before proceeding.

Tips and Precautions

Here are some additional tips and precautions to keep in mind when relighting the pilot:

• Make sure the area around the water heater is well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of gas.
• Never attempt to light the pilot while the gas supply is on.
• If you’re not comfortable relighting the pilot yourself, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber.
• If you notice any signs of leaks or damage to the water heater, it’s recommended to shut off the gas supply and contact a professional plumber.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you’re having trouble relighting the pilot, here are some common issues you may encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

Conclusion

Relighting a water heater pilot is a relatively simple process, but it’s essential to do it correctly to ensure the safety and efficiency of your water heater. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to relight the pilot and get your water heater up and running again. Remember to always turn off the gas supply before attempting to relight the pilot, and if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber.